Next weekend sees the start of the Costa del Sol’s largest and most popular fair, the Malaga Fair or Feria de Málaga as it’s referred to here!
If you haven’t been before, we highly recommend you do so! Get ready for 8 days of fun and entertainment as the city welcomes thousands of visitors from all over Spain for what has become the most popular summer fair in Andalucía and one of the most popular festivities in Spain.
The fair starts on Friday 15th August with a Historical Parade through the streets of the old town at 8:00pm. At 11:50 p.m., you’ll be able to enjoy a special Drone light show, which, after the success of last year’s unique show, promises to be even more spectacular with over 200 drones flying simultaneously through the Malaga skies.
From midnight, you get to watch the spectacular pyro-musical and fireworks display from the cruise terminal access area in Malaga Port. Lasting 20 minutes and using more than 500 kilos of gunpowder, it’s a show you won’t want to miss!
The fair’s official opening takes place on Saturday 16th August in the same location as last year; the Cortijo de Torres fairground. Local writer Javier Castillo will conduct the traditional ‘Pregon’ (opening speech) before the switching on of the fair lights.
There’s so much to see and do at the Málaga Fair that we’ve included a brief summary of this year’s main attractions and events; just choose your favourites:
- Historic Parade through the streets of the historic city centre. Starts at 8:00pm from the Sta. María de la Victoria Sanctuary.
- The ‘Romería’: On Saturday 16th August, watch the beautiful horses and carriages make their way from the town hall (on the main Alameda Avenue) to the Victoria Sanctuary in this traditional tribute to Malaga’s Patron Saint. The procession starts at 11:00 am.
- The ‘Feria’ in the Centre of Town: This is our favourite part of the Malaga fair where you’ll be able to enjoy wine, tapas, music and lots of dancing in the streets of the city’s historic centre. Every day (16th to 23rd August) from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
- Fiesta de Verdiales: Traditional folklore every day (16th to 23rd August) in Calle Larios from 1:00 pm.
- Flamenco: You’ll be able to watch some of the best flamenco at the fair’s ‘Peña Juan Breva’ from the 16th to 23rd August at 2:00 pm.
- La Feria Mágica – ‘La Feria del Dragón’ (The fair of the Dragon): The little ones also have their own fair with an ample selection of activities which include games, workshops, storytelling, theatre, magic and lots more. Several theatre companies will be performing throughout the week-long fair. If you’d like to take part in the fun, head to Plaza de la Merced from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm (17th to 23rd August).
- Bullfighting: The Malaga fair is one of the most important events on the bullfighting calendar and attracts some of the most famous matadors including,
- Alejandro Talavante, Ferrer Martín, Diego Ventura, David Galván, Roca Rey o Morante de la Puebla. From the 14th to 21st August, the Malagueta Bullring is the place to go to watch this unique spectacle. (For tickets, please ask at the Sunset Beach Club Leisure Desk located at the entrance to the hotel or at the main Reception desk).
- Real de la Feria (Main fairground): The main fairground opens at midday every day and is where most of the entertainment takes place; concerts, flamenco shows, entertainment for youngsters… It’s also where you need to head to if you want to experience the thrill of the funfair rides 🙂
This year’s Malaga Fair also features an impressive list of talented performers taking to the stage at the Municipal Auditorium on the main fairground (all concerts are free) 🙂
Saturday 16th August: Great Gala with Señor Mirinda and Mojinos Escozíos.
Sunday 17th August: Great Gala with Aurora Guirado and Paco Candela.
Tuesday 19th August: Great Gala with Encarni Navarro and Camela.
Wednesday 20th August: Great Gala with Ginés González and Chambao.
Thursday 21st August: Great Gala with Hoffman followed by, Entre Coplas y Suspiros with Joana Jiménez and Tamara Jerez.
Friday 22nd August: Great Gala with Toreros con Chanclas.
Saturday 23rd August: Great Gala with Merche.
If you’re planning on visiting the Malaga Fair and are looking for accommodation near Málaga? Sunset Beach Club is only 20 minutes drive from the centre of Málaga; with fantastic apartment-style accommodation and great facilities, it’s the perfect place for an enjoyable family holiday. Feel free to check out our website for more information… www.sunsetbeachclub.com .
